RURAL AND REGIONAL AUSTRALIANS LEFT OUT OF LABOR BUDGET
The Albanese Labor Government have released their first full Budget since the federal election in May last year. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, was holding out hope the Albanese Government would focus on two areas in this Budget; investing in the future of rural and regional Australians including the people of Dawson, and tackling the cost of living crisis. However, the Dawson MP is not convinced.
While he welcomes fiscal responsibility, Mr. Willcox is concerned the Government has used it as a political excuse to avoid investing in regional Australia.
“Regional Australia both feeds and funds this nation. Labor’s $4.2 Billion surplus is all because of regional industries”, Mr Willcox said.
“We produce so much for the nation, and yet in this budget, we’ve been given absolutely nothing in return.
“Labor claim this budget is all about economic responsibility, yet they’ve splurged $240 million on a stadium in Tasmania. All the while they’ve cut $5 million from the Mackay RSL and Veterans Wellness Centre”, Mr Willcox said.
“It’s clear they’re not being fiscally responsible, instead they’re choosing to actively axe money from the regions.
“They’ve gone quiet on VMR upgrades, have completely walked away from a Headspace in the Burdekin, and have confirmed that Stage 2 of the Mackay Ring Road will be delayed until 2025.
Mr. Willcox has also criticised the “misleading” nature of the Budget.
“Just like during the election campaign, they’ve promised the world. They’ve promised cost of living relief, energy price relief, and support for those doing it tough, yet history shows Labor breaks these promises as quick as they make them.
“They claim millions of Australians will have up to $500 rebates on their energy. What about the $275 election promise to reduce power prices, a promise that was repeated 97 times. People are yet to see that reduction, how can we believe this latest spin.
“Labor claimed there would be no new taxes once elected. We are less than a year in, and we’ve seen a new tax introduced almost every month since the election.
The Federal Member for Dawson says while he is disappointed, he will not give up the fight for the Dawson region.
“This budget is really disappointing to read, but I can’t say I am surprised. As it always seems to be with the Labor Government, the regions are robbed and the cities rewarded. When our region produces so much for the nation, we deserve investment”.
But I’ll certainly keep fighting to get our fair share.